What key reform did the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduce?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Mandated women’s representation.

Explanation:

• The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025,  introduced mandatory representation of at least two Muslim women in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.

• The reform aims to enhance gender inclusivity and participation in Waqf administration.

• It seeks to improve transparency and diversity in the management of Waqf properties and institutions.

• The amendment modernised the governance framework of Waqf bodies through broader representation.

• The provision is one of the major institutional reforms introduced under the Act.

Information Booster:

• The Act is also referred to as the UMEED Act.

• It mandates registration and management of Waqf properties through a centralised digital portal for greater transparency.

• Non-Muslim members may be included in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.

• Authority for verification of disputed Waqf properties was assigned to the District Collector, who submits findings to the State Government.

• The reforms aim to strengthen accountability and improve record management of Waqf assets.

Additional Knowledge:

Transferred all Waqf properties to district magistrates (Option a)

• The Act did not transfer ownership of all Waqf properties to District Magistrates.

• District Collectors are involved in verification and dispute-related assessments of property status.

• Waqf properties continue to be administered through the statutory Waqf framework.

Allowed non-Muslims to create a waqf (Option b)

• The amendment allowed the inclusion of non-Muslim members in certain Waqf bodies.

• It did not provide for non-Muslims to create a waqf.

• Creation of waqf remains governed by the provisions of Waqf law.

Abolished waqf tribunals (Option d)

• The Act did not abolish Waqf Tribunals.

• Tribunals continue to play a role in adjudicating Waqf-related disputes.

• The amendment focused primarily on governance, transparency, digitisation, and administrative reforms.